Alan Orloff
Ah, beginnings. What could hold more promise than a blank page? What could hold more terror?
For me, beginnings are crucial. As a reader, when I open up a book or story, I’m waiting to be pulled in–yanked in, really–and if my interest isn’t captured quickly, I set the story aside. Too many things to read, too little time to waste on things less than compelling.
Therefore, as a writer, I feel great pressure to ensnare my readers from the get-go and force them to keep on reading.